I love a good pasta dish, but sometimes I want something lighter, fresher, and packed with vegetables. That’s how this Roasted Vegetable Orzo became a regular in my kitchen. It’s colorful, full of flavor, and so easy to make.

The first time I made this, I had a bunch of vegetables sitting in my fridge that needed to be used. I roasted them with olive oil, salt, and pepper until they were perfectly caramelized, then tossed them with orzo pasta and a simple lemony dressing. One bite and I knew this was a recipe worth saving.

This dish is perfect for meal prep, a quick weeknight dinner, or a simple side for grilled chicken or fish. It’s hearty enough to be a main dish but light enough to pair with almost anything. Best of all? It’s completely customizable—you can use whatever vegetables you have on hand.

Servings	Total
6	35mins

Where Did You Learn This Recipe?

I first came up with this recipe when I was trying to clear out my fridge. I had bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes that were about to go bad, and I didn’t want to let them go to waste.

I tossed them with olive oil and roasted them until they were slightly charred and full of flavor. Then, I added orzo and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and suddenly I had a meal that tasted like something I’d ordered at a restaurant.

Since then, I’ve played around with different vegetable combinations and seasonings, but the basic idea has stayed the same. Now, it’s one of my favorite ways to make sure I’m eating plenty of veggies without feeling like I’m just eating a salad.

Why Roasted Vegetable Orzo?

There are so many reasons to love this dish! Here’s why I keep making it over and over again:

Packed with Flavor: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that can’t be beaten.
Easy to Make: Roast the veggies, cook the orzo, toss everything together, and you’re done!
Versatile: It works as a main dish or a side, and you can swap out the vegetables based on what you have.
Great for Meal Prep: It tastes just as good cold, so it’s perfect for lunches throughout the week.
Healthy and Satisfying: You get fiber, protein, and healthy fats all in one dish.

What Is Roasted Vegetable Orzo Made Of?

This dish is made with fresh, simple ingredients that come together perfectly:

Orzo Pasta: Small, rice-shaped pasta that absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Roasted Vegetables: A mix of bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
Olive Oil & Seasonings: A simple mix of olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Lemon & Parmesan: Adds brightness and a hint of richness.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or basil for a fresh, aromatic finish.

What to Have with Roasted Vegetable Orzo

This dish is great on its own, but if you want to serve it with something, here are some ideas:

Grilled Chicken or Salmon: The fresh, roasted flavors pair perfectly with protein.
Hummus and Pita Bread: A Mediterranean-inspired pairing.
Garlic Bread: Because who doesn’t love a little extra carb action?
Greek Salad: A fresh, crunchy salad complements the pasta beautifully.

Is Roasted Vegetable Orzo Healthy?

Yes! This dish is full of fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and fiber. Here’s how to make it even healthier:

Use Whole Wheat Orzo: Adds more fiber and nutrients.
Reduce the Cheese: Parmesan is delicious, but you can cut back if you’re watching dairy.
Add More Protein: Toss in chickpeas, grilled chicken, or shrimp for extra protein.

Kitchen Equipment

You won’t need much for this recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:

Large baking sheet (for roasting vegetables)
Medium pot (for cooking orzo)
Mixing bowl (for tossing everything together)
Cutting board and knife (for chopping veggies)
Whisk (for mixing the dressing)

Ingredients

For the Roasted Vegetables:

1 zucchini, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, sliced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Orzo:

1 cup orzo pasta
4 cups water
½ tsp salt

For the Dressing:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ tsp lemon zest
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

For Topping:

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil

Directions:

Step 1: Roast the Vegetables

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Spread the chopped zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion on a large baking sheet.
Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and minced garlic. Toss to coat.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

While the vegetables are roasting, bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium pot.
Add the orzo and cook according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes).
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo and roasted vegetables.
Pour the dressing over everything and toss to combine.
Add the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil, then toss again.

Step 5: Serve

Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side with your favorite protein!

Tips

Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Rinse it with cold water to prevent it from getting mushy.
Use Any Vegetables: Eggplant, mushrooms, or asparagus work great in this dish.
Make It Vegan: Skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Store It for Later: Keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it great for meal prep.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes better after sitting for a few hours in the fridge.

How long does roasted vegetable orzo last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Small pasta shapes like couscous or ditalini work well.

Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are great options.

What’s the best way to serve this salad for a party?
Serve it in a large bowl with a serving spoon, or portion it into small cups for easy grab-and-go servings.

Conclusion

Roasted vegetable orzo is fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a meal-prep lunch, or a side dish for a gathering, this recipe is always a great choice. It’s colorful, healthy, and packed with roasted goodness—all in just 30 minutes.

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